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5 ways to get great TV sound

Options for every room, lifestyle, and budget

In this article: we'll discuss five ways to pump up the sound you're getting from your TV.

Having a stellar picture is a great start, but that's only half the story. Clear dialogue, immersive sound effects, and powerful sound go a long way towards awesome home entertainment. Even the best speakers built into a modern ultra-slim TV can only pack so much "oomph." But you're not stuck with just your TV speakers.

We've hooked up a list of six ways you can upgrade your TV's sound below. Each of these TV sound system options should provide a welcome boost for a bigger, better listening experience.

1. Sound bars — slim shape, big sound

Sound bars have become one of the most popular options for TV sound. The low profile and narrow footprint of sound bars let them fit right under most TVs. There's also a solid selection of sound bars that can be wall-mounted for a clean, space-efficient setup.

Yamaha SR-B20A Powered sound bar with built-in subwoofers mounted on a wall under a tv

Many sound bars are wall-mountable and have a slim form factor that looks slick mounted below your TV.

Most sound bars have built-in amplification, too, so there's no need for an external amplifier. Plug into AC power, then connect the sound bar directly to your TV with an HDMI or optical digital audio cable.

Sound bars pack multiple speaker channels into a single bar, producing expansive audio for their relative size. There are models capable of virtual surround sound, reflecting sound off your walls and ceiling with side- or up-firing drivers. And more and more sound bars boast support for immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

Check out our sound bar buying guide for more tips on how to pick a sound bar for your needs.

Smart features

Sound bars often come with modern conveniences like built-in Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®. When you're not watching TV, you can use your phone to stream your favorite music to your sound bar.

Even easier, sound bars that have built-in Alexa or Google Assistant voice control will let you control the bar with simple voice commands, including streaming music. Need a boost in the morning? "Alexa, play Safe and Sound by Capital Cities." It's that easy.

Expanding your sound bar system

Many sound bar systems include a wireless subwoofer to add deep bass to your music and low-end rumble for movie night. Some systems also include wireless rear speakers, giving you true wraparound effects for immersive surround sound.

Bluesound PULSE SOUNDBAR+ Streaming sound bar mounted on a wall in a living room

The Bluesound PULSE SOUNDBAR+ can pair up with other speakers in the BluOs wireless ecosystem to build a convenient multi-room sound system.

Plenty of sound bars give the option to add a subwoofer or rear speakers later, too, if you want to build your system up over time. Your sound bar sound system can even be incorporated into a Wi-Fi multi-room audio system with platforms like Sonos or Bluesound.

Sound bars that play nice with your TV

Some TVs have systems designed to combine a compatible sound bar with the TV's built-in speakers for a bigger sound experience.

Sony OLED TVs feature special technology that turns the surface of the TV itself into a speaker. Sound bars like the HT-A7000 work alongside this technology: the TV acts as a center channel for dialogue and other key sounds, while the sound bar handles everything else.

Samsung has a similar system with their QLED TVs, which have frame tweeters on their top and sides. These QLEDs cooperate with sound bars like the HW-Q800C that support Q-Symphony.

Sony HT-A7000 Powered 7.1.2-channel sound bar system in a living room with a Sony Bravia TV

The 7.1.2-channel Sony HT-A7000 is a perfect match for a Sony OLED TV, blending their sound together for a more immersive experience.

2. Powered stereo speakers — simple and clean

A lot of customers ask us: "can I connect speakers directly to my TV?" Well with the right pair of powered stereo speakers, you can! Powered speakers with HDMI or optical inputs hook right up to your TV with the corresponding cable. No receiver required. It's a simple but effective way to get great stereo sound for your TV.

KEF LS50 Wireless II Powered stereo speakers

A pair of powered stero speakers is an easy way to get great stereo sound for your TV.

Most powered stereo speakers have a modest "bookshelf" footprint, which makes it easy to fit them into your entertainment space. They also work great as a music system when it's time to turn off the TV and dance. Much like sound bars, plenty of powered stereo speakers come with built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for easy audio streaming.

Check out our list of the best powered stereo speakers for more details.

3. Wireless surround sound systems — immersive sound, easy setup

A multi-speaker wireless surround system usually includes a set of pre-matched satellite speakers with built-in amplification. It's everything you need for true surround sound, all in one box, and without a home theater receiver or speaker wires running across your floor.

Sony HT-A9 Home theater speaker system

A wireless surround system delivers true wrap-around effects for impactful home theater sound without running speaker wire.

Most wireless surround systems have a simple transmitter that hooks up to your TV and then wirelessly sends over audio signal to the satellites. This wireless arrangement makes finding a place for your speakers easy, you only need to hook them up to AC power.

Systems like the Sony HT-A9 offer powerful room correction that matches the sound to your space to insure you're getting an immersive surround sound experience without having to perfectly place each speaker.

Check out our article on wireless surround sound for a list of the best systems we currently offer.

4. A receiver and speaker system — powerful and customizable

Pairing up a stereo receiver with a set of speakers is a classic way to get great sound for listening to music. But if your stereo receiver has an HDMI input, chances are you can take advantage of its power for home theater, too.

A stereo TV system is a simple way to get great TV sound. There are a ton of awesome bookshelf speakers and floor-standing speakers to choose from for high-quality stereo sound. And you can add a powered subwoofer to flesh out your bass tracks and bring your movies to life.

Component home theater systems

Stereo rocks, but a traditional multi-channel sound system offers the best home theater experience available, with the highest degree of customization of your system. There's more work getting everything installed, but it's well worth it. There's just no beating a full-blown 5.1 or 7.1 surround system driven by a rocking home theater receiver.

A couple watching TV with a 5.1 JBL speaker system

A traditional home theater with component speakers and a receiver is still the best way to get powerful surround sound.

A surround sound system usually requires multiple speakers, including front speakers, a center channel speaker, two or more surround or height speakers, and one or two powered subwoofer. Your surround speakers can be a mix of floor-standing speakers, bookshelf speakers, or even in-wall or in-ceiling speakers. If you can imagine it, there's probably a way to build it.

illustration showing a Dolby 5.1 system, with 2 front speakers, a center channel speak, and two surround speakers in back

An illustration showing a Dolby 7.1 system, with two front speakers, a center channel speaker, two surrounds speakers in back and two on the sides of the sofa.

With right receiver, you can build from a pretty solid 5.1-channel system to rocking 7.1-channel system that fills your room with sweet sound.

One of the easiest ways to find everything you need for a banging home theater is to pick up a pre-packaged surround sound speaker system. The speakers in these packages are tone-matched to blend together. Just match them up to a receiver and you've got everything you need.

Check out our guides on how to choose home theater speakers and home theater receivers for more details.

Grow your home theater

When you're just getting started, a full 5.1 or 7.1 system can feel like a big investment. But you can easily break that expenditure up, spreading the cost over multiple purchases. One of the benefits of picking up a receiver is the ability to build your system over time like this. You can add components as you go, eventually growing up to a much larger system.

A great way to jump in is with a 3.1 home theater system. You just need a pair of front speakers, a center channel speaker, and a powered subwoofer. This will net you a great sounding system in the short term that you can add on to as you're able for an even cooler system in the long run.

Head over to our sound bar vs 3.1 home theater article for a full rundown on the benefits of starting with a 3.1 system.

7.1 surround sound speaker system

A component sound system gives you room to plan and customize your setup exactly the way you want it

5. Bluetooth speakers and headphones — flexible listening

If you have a TV with Bluetooth audio streaming, you can wirelessly connect to a portable Bluetooth speaker or a pair of Bluetooth headphones to play your TV's audio.

Audioengine B2 Powered Bluetooth® speaker

Pairing up a Bluetooth speaker with a compatible TV is a fast, easy way to boost TV sound.

A portable speaker is a convenient option for folks who want to listen while they get work done around the house. Want to keep up with the news, but those dishes need washing? No problem. You can position a portable speaker right next to you while you get chores done.

Headphones are great for watching TV late in the evening. You can listen at a volume suited to your needs and get the full benefit of a movie's soundtrack, without waking the rest of the household. TV headphones can also provide greater clarity for the hearing-imparied.

Check out our guide on adding Bluetooth devices to your home sound system for more details. We also have a Bluetooth speaker guide and a tidy list of the best wireless Bluetooth headphones we currently offer.

Dedicated TV headphones

Some wireless TV headphones are designed to work with TVs even if they don't support Bluetooth audio streaming. These models often include a transmitter that connects directly to your TV. Some systems, like the Sennheiser RS 175 are expandable with an additional headsets so more than one person can enjoy the show at the same time.

A man watching TV wearing Sennheiser Wireless TV headphones

A quality pair of TV headphones can give excellent sound at a lower cost than most other TV sound solutions.

For more details, head over to our article on wireless headphones for TV listening.

Get started today!

We're here to help. If you need a little guidance on finding the right gear for the job, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our friendly Advisors. We also have a helpful guide to the components you need for home theater to get you going.

Free lifetime tech support is included with your Crutchfield purchase. Our techs can help you get your gear set up and assist with problems down the road.

Please share your thoughts below.

  • Peter from Bear

    Posted on 5/13/2023

    I see there are lots of choices . I plan to buy a new 65 inch TV . I want great sound . No wires for the speakers is a must . What do you recommend ?

    Commenter image

    Colin M. from Crutchfield

    on 5/15/2023

    Hi Peter, you're not wrong! Your best bet will be to speak directly with one of our expert Product Advisors. They'll narrow down that list of options with a few additional questions to make sure we're recommending something that will fit your needs. :)
  • John from Ottawa

    Posted on 5/3/2022

    I need advice regarding DAC/ Headphone Amplifier- I have an older SONY 40 inch Smart TV-I quit CABLE a year ago- went to OTA and get 13 stations- subscribe to Sportsnet and Crave and watch YOU TUBE as well-- I have wi-fi for laptop and a router. I wish to utilize Headphones to listen to TV late at night and have read a little about DAC - Can you give me advice what I need to purchase ....or is it simpler to Bluetooth- I have read pros and cons on WIRED HEADPHONES & BLUETOOTH....

    Commenter image

    Colin M. from Crutchfield

    on 5/4/2022

    Hi John, For late night TV viewing, I recommend picking up a wireless set of TV headphones like the Sennheiser RS 175. It's a much simpler setup than a DAC with a wired set of headphones, and it's designed specifically for your application. Plus you still get really great sound! I hope this helps. :)
  • Kristina Moris from New York

    Posted on 11/17/2021

    I just bought some new tower speakers, and now need a receiver. I have a sound bar. I want great sound for my speakers for music, but also much better sound for the TV than I currently get from my sound bar. Do I need an AV receiver or can I just get a stereo receiver - since I don't have the space for true surround sound. Thanks!

    Commenter image

    Colin M. from Crutchfield

    on 5/4/2022

    Hi Kristina, Sorry we missed this question initially! If you're only planning on powering a pair of towers, a stereo receiver is a great option. In a similar vein, I personally use the Sonos Amp to power a pair of Polk towers for stereo TV sound and it works out pretty great!
  • Carol Adamik from San Diego

    Posted on 10/3/2021

    I have a 21" Samsung flat screen TV that is older model & the sound has recently gone "tinny"--music is awful. What can I add-on that would by pass the TV speakers all together? I would appreciate any advice on a budget.

    Commenter image

    Colin M. from Crutchfield

    on 10/4/2021

    Hi Carol, If you're looking for a solid upgrade to your sound on a budget, the best option might be a compact sound bar. A sound bar will be pretty easy to set up, won't take up too much space, and will net you way better sound than the TV speakers. There are a ton of great options on our site. If you need help picking one out, don't hesitate to check with one of our Advisors.
  • Nelson Williams from ASHBURN

    Posted on 11/17/2020

    I'm considering adding a subwoofer to my home theater/music system and also upgrading my receiver to be able support 4K for both pass through and upscaling. My current system is in a very large room (slightly over 20' x 40') and used for both home theater and music. Which Polk subwoofer would you recommend? Is the Denon AVR-X4700H a good option for upgrading the receiver? The system consists of: Polk LSI-25 front speakers LSI-C center speaker LSI f/x surround speakers Yamaha RX-V1800 AV receiver Samsung 85" Q90T QLED tv

    Commenter image

    Colin M. from Crutchfield

    on 11/18/2020

    Hi Nelson! We think you're right on track. That Denon is going to give you more than enough power while netting you updated connections and wireless functionality. If you're looking for a Polk sub that's going to fill that room, we'd recommend the HTS 12.
  • Sid from North Palm beach

    Posted on 5/26/2020

    When I play a dvd on my tv sound is too low. Can I put inline amplifier and speaker or a tv output where I can increase the dvd sound?

    Commenter image

    Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

    on 5/29/2020

    Hi Sid, I'm sorry to hear you're having difficulty with your system. Without knowing the specifics of the gear you have, it's hard to say what the culprit is. I recommend giving us a call when you have a moment; one of our advisors should be able to help.
  • Rick from Russiaville

    Posted on 4/21/2020

    Any luck finding the maker of that cement/wood media stand in the 1st pic? Thanks

    Commenter image

    Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

    on 4/24/2020

    Hi Rick. Sadly, no — I did some digging, but wasn't able to track down the make or model of the stand.
  • Dale from PENSACOLA

    Posted on 1/26/2020

    If anyone knows where I can find that wood and cement console in the first image, it's exactly what I've been searching for! Can anyone identify it?

    Commenter image

    Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

    on 1/31/2020

    Hi Dale, thanks for reaching out. We're checking with the vendor who provided the photo to see if we can track down the make/model of the entertainment center for you. I'll update once I have more information!
  • David Lopez de Quintana from Washington, DC

    Posted on 1/20/2020

    How about a mix of option 2 and 4? I added a hefty center channel to the two floorstanding speakers, no need for surrounds or a subwoofer. The dialogue through the center channel is super clear, and if you crank the volume it still sounds incredible.

    Commenter image

    Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

    on 1/21/2020

    Hi David, thanks for your comment. A front soundstage system is a fine option if surround speakers aren't feasible for your room (especially with tower speakers and a robust center channel). I do love bass though, so I'll always be an advocate for adding a powered sub when possible for the extra low-frequency impact.
  • Tim Elliott from Woodland, Wa

    Posted on 4/16/2019

    My recommendation... wireless broadcast to headphones. I happen to have hearing aids that can receive the signal directly, but they also sell headphones. Talk about superior sound!!

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